Integrative veterinary medicine: an emerging trend in veterinary practice

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Integrative Health

Background:

• Growing interest in Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Veterinary Medicine (IVM).
• AVMA revised policy reflects increased clinical and academic focus on IVM.
• Knowledge gap exists in evidence-based integration of IVM into mainstream practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• Provide an overview of commonly used IVM modalities.
• Examine the purpose, scope, and clinical contribution of IVM.
• Clarify the role of IVM in veterinary clinical decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Review of acupuncture, physical rehabilitation, manual therapies, herbal medicine, and integrative nutrition.
• Examination of proposed mechanisms, therapeutic indications, and research support for each modality.
• Focus on evidence-based integration and science-informed application.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture stimulates natural healing.
• Physical rehabilitation addresses musculoskeletal and neurological conditions.
• Manual therapies, herbal medicine, and integrative nutrition offer holistic support.

Conclusions:

• IVM offers a comprehensive approach to animal healthcare.
• Emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, safety, and ethical practice.
• Promotes a balanced, science-informed framework for IVM application.